STATEHOUSE – A major government reduction bill was signed by the governor today. As part of the House Republicans’ 2014 Legislative Agenda, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1005 was authored by State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville), who attended the ceremonial signing, and applauded by Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis). This legislation works to remove layers of bureaucracy and cut red tape for Hoosier businesses by eliminating outdated, duplicate and unnecessary provisions from the Indiana Code.

“At a time when federal regulations are escalating out of control, Indiana continues to focus on helping our free market system flourish by reducing the size and scope of government,” said Rep. McMillin. “Often times, lawmakers pass legislation that adds language to the code, which has nearly doubled in size since 1976, so I was proud to lead the charge this session to remove provisions that have become burdensome, archaic or duplicated over the years. Not only does this legislation eliminate confusion and streamline the code, but it also increases government efficiency for businesses and Hoosiers alike.”

In 2010, the Government Reduction Committee was established to create a leaner, more efficient state government. As a result of this committee’s work, 40 boards and commissions along with over 400 appointments have been eliminated. Continuing this initiative, HEA 1005 reduces government bureaucracy and cuts red tape by eliminating burdensome, outdated and unnecessary provisions from the Indiana Code.

One provision that was removed is the Responsible Property Transfer Law (RPTL) which required documentation to be disclosed for certain property transfers. While this law was revolutionary in 1989, over the years the private sector has developed safeguards to accomplish what the RPTL entailed, making the law unnecessary.

Another provision in HEA 1005 repeals a law dating back to 1965 which required businesses to file notice with the county clerk when they are having a ‘going out of business sale.’ The law was in place to prevent false advertising, but since other laws exist to address this concern, this regulation was unnecessary and burdensome to Hoosier businesses. In fact, some county clerks, like in Elkhart, have not issued a license under this law since 1998.

“Over the past year, Indiana’s unemployment rate declined 1.8 percent, the fourth largest decrease in the nation, and that number will continue to fall as long as government remains lean and out of the private sector,” said Speaker Bosma. “By removing burdensome layers of bureaucracy and cutting red tape, we are helping Hoosier businesses thrive and grow and ensuring that Indiana’s business climate continues to be one of the best models in the nation. Smaller government is a better government”

An additional component of HEA 1005 makes various changes to the Title 9 portion of the Indiana Code. Other portions of this legislation remove obsolete language no longer used by the Department of Labor, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Family and Social Services Administration to list a few.

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